“The Essence of Pinot Noir!”

2009 Vintage and Vineyard News

• An excellent growing season in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, with crop loads varying between 2.5 to 3.5 tons per acre, depending upon the block.

• A forecasted warm and dry harvest period gave way to cooler than expected conditions in late September and early October.

• A heat spike prior to harvest helped to contribute to near record long hang times.

• The result was fruit that was deeply ripe, but well-balanced, with bright fruit flavors and excellent acidity.

Winemaking

• Ripe grapes were destemmed, crushed and inoculated with various strains of yeast to maximize complexity, after cold soaking.

• Daily gentle punchdowns were used to extract optimal flavor and color and minimize harsh tannins. The punchdowns can vary by block, tank and day of fermentation. Every ferment is tasted every day to evaluate the evolution of tannins, modify extraction techniques and find the right moment to drain the wine off the skins.

• The “777” was aged for 12 months in various types of French oak, consisting of one-third new, one-third one year old, and one-third two year old barrels. The “Le Terre Foss” saw 14 months in French oak, utilizing the same barrel regimen.

2009 “777” Pinot Noir

The “777”possesses a deep ruby color, in addition to a fragrant bouquet of ripe black fruit, including blackberries, black cherries and plums. The “777” is the more “masculine” of the two offerings, being slightly more full-bodied. This elegant wine should age well for eight to ten years and is noted for its long, velvety finish. Very complex in structure, the notes of plums, figs and black currants, offer up a vibrant, unctuously-textured effort.

Technical Data
2009 “777” Pinot Noir
Total Acidity 6.5
pH 3.69
Alcohol 14.2%
Blend 100% Dijon Clone 777
Cases Produced 258
Food Pairings Salmon grilled on cedar planks, rotisserie chicken, grilled tuna, lamb chops and much more.

2009 “Le Terre Foss” Pinot Noir

The “Le Terre Foss” is characterized by its rich red fruit of strawberries, red cherries, raspberries, damp earth and spice, with hints of roasted meats and mushrooms. It is medium in color and the more “feminine” of the offerings. Like its sibling, the “Le Terre Foss” should age well for eight to ten years and is also noted for its long, lingering finish. All of this, results in a remarkably Burgundian complex aromatic fireworks.

Technical Data
2009 “Le Terre Foss” Pinot Noir
Total Acidity 7.4
pH 3.63
Alcohol 13.8%
Blend 75% Dijon Clone 777, 25% Dijon Clones 113, 114, and Pommard
Cases Produced 302
Food Pairings Salmon grilled on cedar planks, rotisserie chicken, pork tenderloin, roast turkey and much more.

Most Recent Awards

2009 “777” Pinot Noir Silver Medal @ The San Francisco International Wine Competition

2009 “Le Terre Foss” Pinot Noir Silver Medal @ The San Francisco International Wine Competition

2009 “777” Pinot Noir Silver Medal @ The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

2009 “Le Terre Foss” Pinot Noir Silver Medal @ The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

The entire Foss family thanks you for your continued support and we are glad you enjoy our wines!

Cheers!